In 1943, the citizens of Denmark did something no other country in Western Europe even attempted. Anticipating that the Nazi regime would issue the long-feared order to deport its Jewish population to the concentration camps, the Danish people refused to comply. Instead, in a concerted operation, they successfully rescued practically the entire Danish-Jewish community from the brink of death. This year's program honored this remarkable achievement, whose 80th anniversary has just been commemorated, as well as King Christian X’s significant role in it.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
Professor Emeritus Leo Goldberger recalled how, at age 14, he and his family were ferried to safety in Sweden on a Danish f ishing boat. Professor Goldberger was awarded the order of Dannebrog, by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, for his work on promoting communication between Danish and American professors.
Howard S. Veisz, consultant for the new “Rescue in Denmark” exhibit at New York’s Museum of Jewish Heritage, recounted the story of Denmark’s & King Christian X’s defiance of the Nazi occupation. Mr. Veisz, a historian, is the author of “Henny’s Boat: the Maritime Rescue Operation that Saved Denmark’s Jews and Sparked a Nationwide Revolt Against the Nazis.” He is also the boat-keeper of the Danish rescue vessel, Gerda III, docked at Mystic Seaport Museum.
United States Senator Richard Blumenthal presented a U.S. Senate Certificate of Special Recognition to Ambassador Helle Meinertz, Consul General of Denmark, who will receive it on behalf of the descendants of King Christian X.
The Community-Wide Commemoration of Kristallnacht is presented by Congregation Or Shalom with support from the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven. Thank you to our community partners, the Connecticut ADL, and the Or Shalom Men's Club for their ongoing support of this annual program.
RECORDING OF 18TH ANNUAL KRISTALLNACHT COMMEMORATION — NOVEMBER 10, 2024:
